Wi-Fi Calling Information
Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE (Voice over LTE)
What is Wi-Fi Calling and how does it work?
Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls, PXT and SMS from your compatible smartphone over an accessible Wi-Fi network connection. Wi-Fi Calling can help if you live in an area that can’t connect to the Kogan Mobile network or have areas around your home where you can’t make or receive a call.
For complete list of compatible devices refer to https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/device/wi-fi-calling
Wi-Fi Calling works by connecting to a Wi-Fi network and transmitting the same data which travels through our 3G/4G network. To access Wi-Fi Calling, you must have a compatible handset, and enable 4G Voice (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi Calling in your handset settings. Once Wi-Fi Calling is active, your device will switch over to Wi-Fi calling if you move to a poor coverage area and your device connects to an available Wi-Fi signal.
Calls, SMS and PXT made via Wi-Fi Calling are all charged at the same usage rates per your plan. Data usage will not be impacted. If you’re using a Broadband connection, the broadband data will be consumed and will be charged (or data allowance consumed) based on your agreement with your Broadband service provider.
Where can I make Wi-Fi calls from?
If you have an accessible Wi-Fi network connection and there is limited mobile coverage available, your handset will automatically use Wi-Fi Calling to make or receive calls. It will choose the best connection type (4G, 3G, Wi-Fi) available and automatically route calls through that connection.
How can I make or receive calls on my phone using Wi-Fi Calling?
- When making a call over Wi-Fi to another mobile phone everything is as normal.
- If you’re in a network coverage area and wish to use Wi-Fi calling, you will need to turn on airplane mode and have an accessible Wi-Fi network connection
- When calling a landline the state based area code, e.g. 02 or 03, must be used for the number to connect successfully (even when calling within the same state).
- Furthermore, some special numbers which connect based on location services, i.e. 000, 1300 or 1800 numbers, may not connect to the correct location. To call these numbers you may need to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the mobile network and dial the number again. There are no additional monthly fees to use Wi-Fi Calling.
- If you’re entering or leaving Wi-Fi coverage the call will seamlessly transition between the Wi-Fi and 4G. If you’re entering or leaving Wi-Fi coverage into 3G coverage, then the call will be disconnected.
What is VoLTE and how does it work?
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to call using our 4G network. It allows you to remain connected to the 4G network during calls, which means you can continue using 4G mobile data while making and receiving calls. To use Voice over LTE you need a device that’s compatible and enabled, and be on an eligible plan. If you have a device that wasn’t purchased through Vodafone, you may not be able to use Voice over LTE on our network.
How do I enable Voice over LTE on my device?
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re working closely with our device vendors to support the Wi-Fi Calling technology and will update our compatible device list as more devices become available.
When on a Wi-Fi call the device will display a Wi-Fi call icon next to the Wi-Fi signal bar. Some devices may show variants of this icon based on the device manufacturer.
Yes. You can turn off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings. You can view instructions on how to do this in your Device User Guides.
Yes. The call record on your bill will state ‘Over Wi-Fi’. Calls made over Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Calling) will be displayed in AEST/AEDST time.
Yes. Wi-Fi Calling uses the same standard authentication to validate the user while making a voice call as if they were making a call over our mobile network. Our current supported devices enable a secured connection between the device and the network that will ensure all the voice call and text messages are encrypted.
Your device will automatically choose the best available connection type (4G, 3G, Wi-Fi) and automatically route calls through that connection. However, on most devices capable of Wi-Fi Calling, you can enable Airplane Mode to force the device to make Wi-Fi calls with Wi-Fi Calling switched on.
Yes. VPNs are supported, providing the private network doesn’t have firewall rules to restrict accessing Wi-Fi Calling.
Wi-Fi Calling uses around 100 – 120kbps. The majority of broadband services should be capable of running Wi-Fi calls. Delays can be an issue for Wi-Fi calls, so in situations where there is high latency on broadband (i.e. Satellite) then call quality may be reduced.
Wi-Fi Calling uses only a small percentage of what might be considered a slow broadband service. However high downloads (i.e. streaming video) may possibly result in a loss of voice quality in extreme circumstances. If you have poor upload speeds your Wi-Fi call may disconnect.
Compatible iPhones purchased from third party retailers will support Wi-Fi Calling if you move your service to our mobile network as a BYO device. You will need to update your settings when connecting to our mobile network. In general, compatible Android devices purchased from third parties moved to our mobile network as a BYO device may not support the Wi-Fi Calling feature.
There are a few reasons Wi-Fi Calling may not be working, such as the Internet Service Providers (ISP) being incompatible, specific firewall settings and other configuration issues with business and public Wi-Fi networks. If possible, contact the Internet Service Provider and check if they allow Wi-Fi Calling.
Only when the 3G/4G coverage is insufficient to make a call will the phone switch to Wi-Fi Calling, if Wi-Fi Calling is available.
Currently, calls will be forwarded based on your existing settings whilst you are in Wi-Fi Calling mode. You won’t be able to change the forwarding settings until you are off Wi-Fi and connected to the mobile network.
Kogan Mobile will use the best information available to assist with locating your device when making a Wi-Fi call. However, on dialling some special numbers which connect based on location, i.e.1300 or 1800, you may get an announcement if the correct location is not available. To call these numbers you may need to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the mobile network and dial the number again.
All our plans are compatible with Wi-Fi Calling.
When on a Wi-Fi connection the calls to emergency services numbers may not know your location. It is therefore recommended to switch off Wi-Fi Calling in your device settings, connect back to the mobile network and dial the emergency number again.
If you are connected to Wi-Fi Calling an icon will appear at the top of the mobile screen, next to the Wi-Fi signal icon. Some devices may show variants of this icon based on the device manufacturer. If you cannot see this icon then Wi-Fi Calling is not able to connect via your current Wi-Fi connection. The reasons for this may include:
- The Wi-Fi connection is not able to support Wi-Fi Calling.
- Wi-Fi Calling is not enabled in handset settings.
- Handset software is not updated
From 1 January 2015, all of our phone plans are Voice over LTE accessible.
All of our prepaid recharges are Voice over LTE accessible.
Voice over LTE is available wherever there is 4G coverage. Use our coverage checker to see where 4G coverage is available.
No. Voice over LTE is charged in the same way as all other voice calls and doesn’t use your mobile data allowance.
If you’re using an iPhone, ‘4G’ will be displayed in the status bar when using Voice over LTE.
If you’re using an Android device, ‘VoLTE’ will be displayed in the status bar beside the 4G icon.
Yes, but your device will use our 4G network to access Voice over LTE.
If you’re on international roaming in the USA, you may be able to use VoLTE through some of their networks.
Using VoLTE when you’re on international roaming may give you a better call quality with a faster call connection. You can also browse the internet or use apps at the same time.
You’ll need a compatible device with VoLTE enabled and be on an eligible plan.